The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center (CBWCHC) marked the completion of its newest healthcare center in Flushing with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The Healthview site, located at College Point Boulevard and 40th Road, will expand CBWCHC’s award-winning, culturally appropriate comprehensive healthcare services to meet the urgent health needs of the diverse and rapidly growing neighborhood.
“I am excited that we will be expanding our healthcare services for the Flushing community, where many residents still lack access to affordable primary care services, particularly mental health and dental services,” said Kaushal Challa, CEO of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. “For the first time, CBWCHC dental care services will expand into Queens, making the health center one of the largest dental care community health providers in the area with 17 state-of-the-art dental treatment rooms.”
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said community-based care should be accessible and acceptable to those it seeks to reach.
“As a practicing primary care doctor, I know that means reaching people in the languages that they speak and in the neighborhoods where they live,” Vasan said. “It means having culturally competent care and sensitivity to what patients may be facing in their lives. We know this location will mean so much to the surrounding community and continue Charles B. Wang’s long history of serving those in greatest need well.”
The Healthview Center, which is scheduled to open this fall, will increase access to high-quality and affordable medical, dental and mental health; health education; social work; and many support services for community residents. The new 80,000-square-foot, environmentally friendly building is expected to serve more than 25,000 patients with its comprehensive medical facilities.
The majority of CBWCHC patients have lower income and frequently face cultural, linguistic and insurance barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Patient Centered Medical Home, all services — including mental health and dental care — are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, language they speak, or immigration history.
The Healthview project was funded by a Build NYC tax-exempt bond purchased by Flushing Bank, a generous donation from the Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation, a New Markets Tax Credit allocation, an NYC Office of Environmental Remediation grant, an NYC Economic Development Pre-Development grant and support from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and the City Council.
Northeast Queens lawmakers congratulated CBWCHC on the expansion of its healthcare center.
“The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center does a tremendous job serving the Flushing area, providing needed health care to area residents which include many of my constituents,” Congresswoman Grace Meng said. “I thank CBWCHC for all it does, and this new location will enable its team to treat even more people who require crucial health services. I am also glad to see that CBWCHC’s dental services will expand into the community. I look forward to continuing to work with the Charles B.Wang Community Health Center, and I’m proud to congratulate CBWCHC as it opens this new 80,000-square-foot facility.”
According to Senator John Liu, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed an urgent need for quality, community-oriented health care that serves underserved communities regardless of income or language ability.
“The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center has long filled this gap, and this long-awaited expansion will add a premiere healthcare facility to Flushing’s booming medical provider industry,” Liu said.
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic said Healthview is a testament to the success and achievements of CBWCHC.
“This new building will allow CBWCHC to spread its reach to many more patients and continue providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to underserved communities,” Rozic said.
Assemblyman Ron Kim said CBWCHC has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing essential services to countless vulnerable New Yorkers.
“I am proud to join others today in celebrating the opening of its newest location on 40th Road and College Point Boulevard, and look forward to our continued partnership in meeting the needs of our constituents,” Kim said.
